Shinkendo Japanese Swordsmanship
About
Welcome to the home for the Shinkendo Study Group of Thousand Oaks. Sensei Kendall Wells is offering weekly classes in Shinkendo, the Japanese swordsmanship system founded by world-renowned Master Toshishiro Obata. The art is dedicated study of authentic Samurai swordsmanship.
Shinkendo is both a philosophy and a form of combat. The name Shin (sincere or serious) – Ken (sword) – Do (a way of self-improvement) means to commit fully to an ideal, to this training, and way of life. The goal is for this to be a constant state of mind in the student’s life, applying the philosophy in everything they do. Obata Kaiso teaches us, “Jin-Sei Shinkendo,” or “Life is Shinkendo.” For more on Shinkendo, please visit shinkendo.com.
Kendall Wells began studying Shinkendo in 2007 as a student of Sensei Matthew Lynch, a senior student of Shinkendo founder Toshishiro Obata himself.
Class is $65 per month or $20 per class for drop-in. Contact Kendall at [email protected] to sign up.
I love watching students grow and discover parts of themselves they didn't know they had, and I strive to meet my students halfway to maximize their learning. I also love passing on information that is many generations old, and constantly evolving. Shinkendo is a living art, with the founder constantly giving us new exercises and material, unlike virtually any other Japanese sword art. With the extensive size of the cirriculum, you'll never get bored with training.
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I am available for weekly group training and/or private training. Students should contact me at [email protected] to schedule a session. We'll discuss your goals and see if Shinkendo is a good fit for you.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As well as being a ranked Shinkendo instructor, I am a stunt performer, actor, and teaching of De Longis Performance & Combat Arts, created by my mentor Anthony De Longis. I specialize in European swords, Filipino stick fighting, knife, whip, staff, and more.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Class is $65 per month (four 90-min classes) or $20 per class for drop-in. I'm also available for private sessions at $50 per hour.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students as young as 12 and as old at 65, as well as many actors and stunt performers, and physically alter-abled people. I do my best to connect with my students to help them harness and sharpen their own abilities regardless of their background, race, gender, or age.
One of my favorite quotes about training, by Bruce Lee:
"The medicine for my suffering I had within me from the very beginning, but I did not take it. My ailment came from within myself, but I did not observe it until this moment. Now I see that I will never find the light unless, like the candle, I am my own fuel."
I'm just here to help you find your own ailment.